MVHS Music Groups Perform Final Spring Concert

By VERNON ROBISON

Moapa Valley Progress

The Moapa Valley High School Music Department held its final spring instrumental concert on Monday evening, May 22 in the Ron Dalley Theatre. Nearly 150 students, of the school’s roughly 600 in total population, was involved in at least one of the four ensembles. Many students participated in more than one of the groups.

The concert began with the school’s Intermediate Band group which performed three selections. Featured in these pieces were solos by Marina Mortensen (flute), Rita Rodgers (french horn), Yadon Witsken (trumpet), Mitchell Lyon (trumpet); and a flute duet by Bria Scatterday and Camille Hardy.
Next on the program was the 45 piece MVHS Advanced Concert Band. In one of its three selections, this band soared in a tribute to cinema composer John Williams which included tunes from blockbuster movies like E.T., Star Wars, Jaws and more. Featured were soloists Logan Geary (trumpet) and Josie Delgadillo (flute).

The MVHS Symphony Orchestra then took the stage. This ensemble included a full string section, as well as woodwind, brass and percussion. The orchestra performed three selections, ending with a sweeping survey of the music from Broadway play “Fiddler on the Roof”. Featured in solos in this performance were Emilie Barraza (violin), Sara Udall (trumpet), Emma Thompson (violon), and Conner Batty (trumpet).

The final ensemble on the program was the school’s Jazz Band. The 20-member group kept the audience moving with compelling jazz selections like Critical Mass, Feels So Good and Six By Six. Nearly every member of the band was featured in jazz solos during this piece. And in another selection: You’ve Got A Friend In Me, Madison Bush was featured in an excellent vocal solo.

After the performances, MVHS Music teacher Kim Delgadillo took the stage and presented a number of special awards to outstanding members of the groups.
National awards included the John Phillip Sousa award which went to Madison Bush and Logan Geary; the Patrick Gilmore award which went to Anthony Cornwall; the Louis Armstrong award which went to Logan Geary and Joshua Leavitt and the National School Orchestra award which went to Austin Doble.
The Band Director’s Award went to Christian Riordan. The Orchestra Director’s Award went to Casey Huntsman. The Pep Band Director’s Award went to Drake Staheli and Cameron LarsThe All-around Musician awards went to Darren Hardy and Madison Mortensen. Alto saxophone player, Whitney Wickersham received a Leadership award. And tenor saxophone player Tyler Peterson was recognized with the Outstanding Jazz Soloist award. And award for the up and coming Outstanding Junior went to Zachary Anderson.

“It is truly a pleasure to work with your kids,” Delgadillo said in conclusion. “This community has the best kids to be found anywhere. So thank you for sharing them with me.”